School Work Research Articles

Perceptions of Conditions that Characterize Projects as a Development Strategy: A Phenomenographical Study of Eleven Swedish Preschool Development Projects

AbstractThe present study focuses joint school and university development work in preschool-projects try to increase educational quality. The aim of this study was to explore perceived conditions and perceptions of projects among participants in development projects in eleven preschools. In addition, we were interested in the perceived outcomes of the projects. All projects were aimed at strengthening the preschool principal’s and staff’s competence regarding children’s language and emergent literacy development. The studied projects lasted up to three years. The results are based on phenomenographical analyses of thirteen focus group interviews with principals and staff, including eighty-eight participants, during the project period. Follow-up interviews were conducted with twenty-four representatives from the participating preschools one year after the closure of the projects. The interviews were transcribed and analyzed. Field notes from visits in the preschools contributed to the empirical material. Our findings indicate that the perceptions of a project, contributed to the understanding of a project as loaded with expectations that the development project is limited in time and that it will add extra-curricular work demanding extra resources, which led to the perception that when the project is over, development work is over. The word project, thus, per se functioned as a limiting factor, if on-going development work, was aimed for. Lack of anchoring the development work in the local context was perceived as problematic, with effects for the participants’ experience of agency. Furthermore, difficulties in managing large staff turnover during the project was perceived to cause the development work to come to a stand-still. Active leadership, and shared responsibility were perceived as favorable factors for the progress of the development work. Our conclusions encompass participants’ perceptions of adjustment to the local context, shared responsibility and seeing development work as exceeding time limits as vital components of successful development work.

School teachers’ perceptions of intersectoral working with health in the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the challenge for teachers to integrate protective health measures into their academic daily responsibilities. The aim of this abstract is to analyse how school teachers’ views on intersectoral collaboration with health professionals during COVID-19 vary by country, seeking insights for future directions. Methods In 2021, an online survey was conducted in 6 languages with education and health professionals, followed by optional online semi-structured interviews. We explored the: 1-effect of the pandemic on schools/pupils/teachers; 2-reorganisation of schools; 3-experience of implementing infection control measures in schools; 4-intersectoral working; 5-important resources for keeping schools open. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and translated into English. Analysis of a survey question seeking professionals’ rating of intersectoral working led to a directed content analysis of transcripts and free-text survey responses regarding intersectoral working experiences. Results Data were analysed from 1046 school teacher survey responses from 6 countries/territories and 21 follow-up interviews. Ratings varied considerably across countries. A large majority of teachers in Taipei (83%) reported excellent or good collaboration with health professionals, about half in China (53%) and Portugal (51%), and far fewer in Brazil (38%), Morocco (29%) and France (15%). Taipei respondents cited the key role of school nurses as a positive factor; others added clear national guidelines and local protocols. Negative ratings related to health professionals’ rare visits or absence. Conclusions The direct support of health professionals in schools was offered as explanation for teachers’ positive ratings of intersectoral working in the pandemic. Policy and practice varied geographically; thus, understanding contextual factors that influence the effectiveness of intersectoral working in schools is crucial to orient future public health strategies. Key messages • This highlights the importance of understanding contextual factors that influence the effectiveness of intersectoral working in implementing protective health measures in schools. • This suggests that policy support and the presence of dedicated health personnel within schools play a pivotal role in ensuring effective collaboration between the education and health sectors.

MOTIVASI SEBAGAI MEDIATOR DISIPLIN KERJA DAN KOMPETENSI TERHADAP KINERJA PEGAWAI DI SMA NEGERI 1 GRATI

Administrative staff of SMA Negeri 1 Grati, Pasuruan Regency have an important role in developing the quality of school work, which can be achieved through high ability, motivation, and competence in carrying out their responsibilities. Although the performance of SMA Negeri 1 Grati employees, Pasuruan Regency is quite good, there are still problems with low work discipline and competence, as seen from non-compliance with work hours and disciplinary regulations. This study aims to determine the effect of work discipline and competence on employee performance with motivation as an intervening variable at SMA Negeri 1 Grati, Pasuruan Regency. The type of data used in this study is primary data with a questionnaire method distributed to 40 employees of SMA Negeri 1 Grati, Pasuruan Regency. Hypothesis testing was carried out using the bootstrap resampling method on SmartPLS 3.3. The results of the study showed that although work discipline and competence had a positive effect on employee performance, the effect was not statistically significant. Work discipline also had a positive but not significant impact on motivation. Meanwhile, competence was shown to have a significant positive effect on motivation. However, higher motivation actually had a negative effect on employee performance, although this effect was also not significant.

Curriculum Management of Local Content in Fostering Religious Behavior: A Study at Madrasah Aliyah

This study investigates the management of local content curriculum in shaping religious behavior at MA Raden Paku Wringinanom. Specifically, the research addresses three key questions: (1) How is the local content curriculum planned to foster religious behavior at MA Raden Paku Wringinanom? (2) How is the local content curriculum implemented to shape religious behavior at MA Raden Paku Wringinanom? (3) What are the outcomes of the local content curriculum in fostering religious behavior at MA Raden Paku Wringinanom? The objectives of this study are to: (1) examine the planning of the local content curriculum, (2) explore the implementation process, and (3) analyze the outcomes in shaping religious behavior at MA Raden Paku Wringinanom. This research employs a qualitative method with descriptive analysis, utilizing an interactive model. The data analysis involves stages of data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. After collecting and categorizing the data, the researcher provides an in-depth description before concluding the findings based on available sources. The results of this study are as follows: (1) The planning of the local content curriculum involves adherence to the School Work Plan (RKT) and the Madrasah Work Plan and Budget (RKAM) to define local content programs, select subjects, assign teachers, and determine learning resources and funding. (2) The implementation phase includes syllabus review, lesson plan (RPP) development, and assessment. (3) The outcomes of the local content curriculum include program-specific local content initiatives and the evaluation of student learning outcomes.

Operations Regarding Safe Educational Institutions of Educational Institutions under the Jurisdiction of the Saraburi Primary Educational Service Area Office 2

Background and Aims: The purpose of this research is to study and compare the opinions of personnel regarding safe educational operations in educational institutions under the jurisdiction of Saraburi Primary Educational Service Area Office 2. Classified by position educational institution size and work experience in addition, the objective is to study guidelines for promoting and developing the operation of safe educational institutions in educational institutions under the same affiliation. Methodology: The sample group used in the research consisted of 317 personnel from educational institutions under the Saraburi Primary Educational Service Area Office, Area 2, obtained by stratified random sampling (Stratified Random Sampling). The research instrument was the questionnaire has a 5-level rating scale with an IOC between 0.80 - 1.00 and a confidence value (Cronbach's Alpha) equal to 0.79. Structured interviews were also used to collect additional information. Statistics used in data analysis include frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation, T-test (t-test) and analysis of variance (ANOVA or F-test). Results: The results of the research found that: (1) The operation of educational institutions is safe. of educational institutions under the jurisdiction of the Saraburi Primary Educational Service Area Office 2, overall and in each aspect It was found to be at a "very high" level in all aspects, which shows that the operation of safe educational institutions has been carried out efficiently in every dimension. (2) Results of comparative analysis operations in the area of ​​safe educational institutions. Classified by position It was found that there was a statistically significant difference at the 0.05 level while categorizing by school size and work experience found that there was no difference. (3) Operational guidelines Regarding safe educational institutions under the Saraburi Primary Educational Service Area Office 2, it was found that: 1) In terms of preventive measures should proceed with the preparation of a safety plan that covers all dimensions. 2) Instilling measures safety workshops should be organized for teachers. educational personnel and students 3) suppression measures guidelines for managing or suppressing incidents should be established. Including assistance when an incident occurs in an educational institution and create mutual awareness in all sectors. Conclusion: Operations regarding safe educational institutions of educational institutions. There should be a safety plan for educational institutions that covers all dimensions. Educational institutions provide an environment and atmosphere that is safe for students, teachers, and educational personnel. There are guidelines for managing or suppressing incidents. Assistance when an incident occurs in an educational institution and there are workshops on safety of educational institutions for teachers, educational personnel and students.

The School Budget Management under the Nakhon Ratchasima Primary Educational Service Area Office 4

Background and Aims: Budgeting in its present form began in England around the 16th-17th centuries. During that time The House of Representatives successfully reserved the power to approve government revenue and expenditures. This shows that current budgeting is related to the evolution of the governance system. After the preparation of this budget, it was extended to local government organizations, educational institutions, and other agencies, both public and private. The purpose of this research is to study and compare the level of opinions of personnel regarding budget management of schools under the Nakhon Ratchasima Primary Educational Service Area Office 4. Classified by position, school size, and work experience. Including the study of guidelines for developing budget management for schools under the said organization. Methodology: The sample used in the research consisted of 196 school administrators and heads of budget management groups of educational institutions under the Nakhon Ratchasima Primary Educational Service Area Office 4, which were selected using a stratified random sampling method. The research instrument was a questionnaire with a 5-level rating scale with an IOC between 0.80 - 1.00 and a confidence value of 0.85. In addition, a structured interview was used to collect data for data analysis. Various statistics were used, including frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation, T-test and F-test. Results: The results of the research are as follows: (1) School budget management Under the jurisdiction of the Nakhon Ratchasima Primary Educational Service Area Office 4, the overall level is at a high level. And when considering each aspect, it was found that budget management was at a high level in every aspect. (2) Comparative analysis of budget management of schools under the jurisdiction of the Nakhon Ratchasima Primary Educational Service Area Office 4, found to be significantly different at the 0.05 level. When classified by position but when classified by school size and work experience, no differences were found. (3) The budget management guidelines of schools under the Nakhon Ratchasima Primary Educational Service Area Office 4 that should be implemented include: Analysis of strengths and weaknesses Budget allocation is adequate and comprehensive. Having an internal audit system Creating a fundraising plan and using resources from outside agencies or stakeholders. Including having proof of receipt and payment. Preparing accurate accounts according to regulations and reporting information on supplies and equipment (M-OBEC), including creating up-to-date information on buildings, land, structures, and assets (B-OBEC). Conclusion: Budget management of schools under the jurisdiction of the Nakhon Ratchasima Primary Educational Service Office, District 4, that were all assessed were considered to have a high level of expertise. To ensure continued efficiency and transparency in financial management. There should be various guidelines such as detailed data analysis. Establishment of an internal audit system and recording information correctly All of which should be strictly implemented to strengthen confidence in the budget management process.

Exposure to cooking fumes in cafeteria workers in Korean schools: a pilot study.

This study measured cooking fumes to which workers in school cafeterias may be exposed. The measurement items were respirable dust, formaldehyde, and carbon monoxide. A total of 111 samples were obtained from 55 schools. Data on variables such as school size and daily cooking oil usage were collected. Correlation and association analysis were performed. The median of concentrations of respirable dust was 38.37 µg/m3 (min-max: 20.73-49.71 µg/m3). The concentrations of formaldehyde and carbon monoxide also showed levels that did not exceed 20% for occupational exposure limits. The increase in school size was significantly correlated with the increase in daily cooking oil usage and had a significant correlation with respirable dust concentration (Spearman's correlation coefficient, 0.36; P <0.05). The linear regression test results adjusting for other variables were also similar. Cooking food by frying at high heat using cooking oil can increase the exposure of kitchen workers to respirable dust.

Anxiety, inhibitory control, physical activity, and internet addiction in Chinese adolescents: a moderated mediation model

BackgroundAdolescents may have anxiety due to a series of events such as school work and social interaction. Improper handling of anxiety often leads to some negative consequences, such as Internet addiction. Therefore, this study further explored the relationship between anxiety and Internet addiction, as well as the mediating role of inhibitory control between the two, and also considered the moderating role of physical activity between anxiety and inhibitory control.MethodsA total of 1607 adolescents, comprising 664 boys and 943 girls with an average age of 15.86 years (SD = 0.73), from Shandong, Shanxi, Hebei, and Hunan provinces completed a self-report survey on physical activity, anxiety, inhibitory control, and Internet addiction. Descriptive analysis, correlation analysis, and mediation test were conducted.ResultsThe results revealed a significant positive correlation between anxiety and adolescent internet addiction (r = 0.413, p < 0.001), and a significant negative correlation with inhibitory control (r = -0.423, p < 0.001). Inhibitory control was found to be significantly positively correlated with physical exercise (r = 0.143, p < 0.001) and significantly negatively correlated with internet addiction (r = -0.368, p < 0.001). After controlling for demographic variables, anxiety significantly positively predicted Internet addiction (β = 0.311, p < 0.001) in adolescents, and it also indirectly predicted Internet addiction through inhibitory control (β = -0.231, p < 0.001). Physical activity significantly weakened the predictive effect of anxiety on inhibitory control (β = -0.092, p < 0.001).ConclusionsThis study further explored the issue of psychological mechanisms between anxiety and Internet addiction in adolescents, and added that physical activity alleviates the negative effects of anxiety on adolescents. Schools and families are encouraged to promote physical exercise among adolescents to alleviate the influence of negative emotions on their psychological and behavioral health.

Языковое законодательство в межвоенной Польше как элемент национальной политики: историография проблемы

The paper deals with the language policy of Poland as an element of national policy. The international treaties on the protection of national minorities, the Constitution of Poland of 1921 and the laws adopted on July 31, 1924 “On the State language and working language in State institutions and self-government institutions”, “On language and organization of school work for national minorities”, “On language in courts, prosecutor’s office and notary institutions” are considered. In the Second Polish Republic, one third of the population consisted of national minorities, for whose rights the Polish Sejm adopted these laws. The laws provided for the limited use of the languages of national minorities – Lithuanian, Belarusian and Ukrainian. In certain cases, Polish civil servants were required to use the languages of national minorities in their activities. Due to their inconsistency and half-heartedness, the laws were not actually implemented and caused discontent both among representatives of national organizations and among the majority of Polish political circles. Among historians and in journalism, the laws “On Language...” also caused a discussion. Most researchers believe that the Polish language legislation did not aim to actually improve the situation of national minorities, but only to imitate their protection in order to form a positive image of a “democratic” Poland in the international arena.

Influence of School Working Conditions of Teachers’ Turnover on Learning Achievement in Biology in Public Secondary Schools in Garissa County, Kenya

The modern propensity toward multi-disciplinary research and the alignment of scientific knowledge from different fields has led to significant overlap of the field of Biological sciences with other scientific disciplines. Modern principles of other fields such as Chemistry, Medicine, and Physics are integrated with those of Biology in areas such as Biochemistry, Biomedicine, and Biophysics, making Biology a valuable subject to humankind. However, the government’s inability to retain qualified and experienced teachers in some schools due to high turnover impacts negatively on the students’ learning achievement in this subject. This paper looks into the influence of school working conditions of teachers’ turnover on learning achievement in Biology in public secondary schools in Garissa County. The study was conducted using pragmatic worldview and adopted a convergent mixed-methods design. With a target population of 2786 respondents from 40 public secondary schools, a sample size of 387 respondents was obtained. Using stratified random sampling, 27 schools were selected from which 336 students and 51 teachers of Biology were randomly and purposively drawn respectively. Data collection was done using Biology teacher questionnaire and document analysis guide. The quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics while qualitative data was analyzed thematically. The study findings showed that school working conditions (r=0.73, p&lt;0.05) had a positive significant correlation with students’ learning achievement in Biology. Qualitative data findings revealed that majority of the teachers intended to transfer from rural to urban schools on the basis of unsuitable working conditions and insecurity. The study concluded that school working conditions of teachers’ turnover influenced low learning achievement in Biology in the study area. The study therefore, recommended strategies that should lower teacher turnover and increase learning achievement in Biology as follows; school principals should provide good leadership and adequate instructional resources for effective teaching of Biology while the government should post security officers to every learning institution in Garissa County to safeguard the non-local teachers’ safety and security

Identity development of Arab drama therapists: The role of ethnic boundary work

Previous studies have suggested that creative arts therapists who work in conservative societies must adapt their Western therapeutic ideologies to collectivist and traditional norms. Less is known about how these creative arts therapists construct and maintain their professional identity in diverse sociocultural contexts. Building on the literature that emphasizes the role of ethnic boundary work in professional identity processes, we examined how Arab drama therapists maintain, challenge, and negotiate ethnic boundaries in the process of professional identity construction.Participants were 38 Israeli-Arab drama therapists (36 female) working in Israeli-Arab schools. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews (27 participants) and playback theater groups (12 participants). Thematic analysis revealed three different forms of ethnic boundary work: "Distinguishing Arab identity from drama therapy", "Drama therapy as an act of challenging ethnic and gender boundaries", and "Negotiating ethnic boundaries within the context of drama therapy".The current study emphasizes the sociocultural context of boundary work by illustrating how Israeli-Arab drama therapists define their professional identity across ethnic, gender, and political tensions. We conclude with implications for research and practice.

Teachers’ Job Satisfaction and Turnover: Re-Examining Learning Achievement in Biology in Public Secondary Schools, Garissa County, Kenya

Teachers spend lengthy periods of their lifetime in school work environments and their satisfaction in the job has crucially far-reaching implications. Besides making them feel good about themselves, job satisfaction draws on teachers’ well-being as satisfied teachers are less susceptible to leaving their positions. The aim of this paper was to evaluate teachers’ job satisfaction as a teachers’ turnover factor in influencing learning achievement in Biology in public secondary schools in Garissa County. Guided by Becker’s Human Capital Theory of Occupational Choice, the study was driven by a philosophical paradigm borrowed from the Pragmatic Worldview and adopted a convergent mixed-methods research design. The study targeted 2786 respondents comprising 2691 form three students and 95 Biology teachers from 40 public secondary schools from which 27 schools were picked through stratified random sampling. The sample size constituted 336 form three students and 51 Biology teachers obtained through simple random and purposive sampling respectively. Questionnaire and document analysis guide were used in data collection. Both descriptive and inferential statistics using Pearson Product Moment Correlation and Linear Regression were done. The study established that job satisfaction (r=0.67, p&lt;0.05) had a positive significant correlation with learning achievement in Biology. The study therefore concluded that, teachers’ job satisfaction influenced learning achievement in Biology in public secondary schools in Garissa County. The study recommended strategies that should lower teacher turnover and increase learning achievement in Biology thus; re-visit salary schemes for teachers to ensure they re-visit salary schemes for teachers in public secondary schools to ensure teachers are well paid besides are well paid, teacher promotions should be streamlined and staff development opportunities enhanced.

Social Work Practice in United Arab Emirates (UAE) Schools during and after the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study

Besides their educational mission, public schools ground and support the health and psychological, emotional, and social development of students. The educational system is special because it combines multiple integrated responsibilities and duties that transcend the scope of any other social welfare program. Social workers are crucial constituents of educational systems and are expected to attend to the well-being of students while ensuring the effective performance of the educational system. Given such rigorous demands, this study assesses and compares the actual functions undertaken by social workers in schools in the United Arab Emirates during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. In so doing, it aims to help improve educational systems worldwide. The nuanced results of this study will better elucidate the crucial capabilities of social workers in the dynamic educational system and illuminate the challenges they confront during emergencies.

From classroom learning to real-world skills: an autoethnographic account of school field trips and STEM work immersion program management

Quality science education is crucial in preparing students for real-world challenges by fostering scientific literacy and critical thinking skills. Field trips and work immersion programs support this goal by providing hands-on experiences and real-world applications of scientific concepts, thereby enhancing student engagement and understanding. This autoethnographic study explores the management of school field trips and work immersion programs, emphasising their impact on student engagement and learning outcomes. Through personal experiences and reflective practices, I examine the logistical planning, risk management, and curriculum alignment necessary for successful implementation. The findings highlight how these programs enhance students’ understanding of scientific principles, foster critical thinking, and encourage STEM career interests. Key strategies include collaborative planning, flexibility, and ongoing evaluation, providing insights into optimising educational programs and bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world application.

Making Sense of the Rural Special Education Teacher Shortage

Long-standing shortages of well-prepared special educators, especially within rural areas, have jeopardized positive outcomes for students with disabilities. In this multiple case study of administrators and special educators, the authors examined how individuals make sense of the special education teacher shortages in relation to the challenges of working in a rural school. Local contextual factors intersected with salary and state policies, highlighting how external, political factors affected districts’ ability to attract and retain special education teachers. Chief among implications for research, policy, and practice is the need to attend to multipronged approaches that have the potential to mitigate economic barriers to special educator recruitment and retention in rural school districts.

The Effect of Principal Leadership, Ethos, and Work Climate on Educator Performance MAN District of Sumedang

Education is seen as a valuable investment in improving the quality of human resources and building a nation. The research focuses on the MAN Se-Kab district of Sumedang to analyze the leadership of the head of the school, the work ethos, the working climate, and the performance of the educators. Quantitative survey methods are used with data collection using lifts. Data analysis includes validity, reliability, classical assumption tests, double linear regression, and hypothesis tests. Research at MAN Se-Kab district Sumedang found that the leadership of the head of school, the work ethos, and the working climate were rated "Good" (average 4.24, 4.58, and 4.27), as well as the performance of educators. (rata-rata 3,90). Nevertheless, the leadership of the head of the school did not significantly impact the teacher's version (t count -1,035 &lt; 2,012, significance 0,306 &gt; 0,05). On the contrary, the work ethos (2,621, significance 0.042 &lt; 0,05) and the working climate (2,047, signification 0.053 &lt; 0.05) had a significant positive impact. Simultaneously, the three variables influence the performance of educators (f counts 10,890 &gt; f table 4,052, significance 0,045 &lt; 0,05). The determination coefficient of 30.4% suggests that the head of school leadership, work ethos, and work climate variables can explain variations in teacher performance. In comparison, the other 34.8% variations are influenced by external factors such as culture and environment. Research recommendations include improved teacher performance and the role of the head of school in creating a productive working environment. The study provides in-depth insight into education dynamics in the MAN Se-Kab district of Sumedang, providing a basis for improving the quality of educators' performance and leadership.

Union Membership, Retention, and Perceived Safety for PK-12 Trans School Workers of Color

ABSTRACT In this study, we use data from a sample of 296 trans PK-12 school workers in the United States and Canada to consider the impact of union membership on an educator population who may be disproportionately harmed by systemic inequalities. Using intersectionality and trans studies as frameworks with a QuantCrit analytical lens, we examined union membership for trans workers of Color across race/ethnicity, country, gender, and years of experience. We measured retention and emotional and physical safety and found that union membership predicts retention, emotional safety, and physical safety for trans school workers of Color. Our results suggest unionization not only benefits all trans workers, but it buffers the problematic retention and safety concerns for the most vulnerable: trans workers of Color.

The Influence of School Culture, Transformational Leadership, and Teacher Motivation on Teacher Performance

The purpose of this study is to ascertain the following: (1) the impact of school culture on junior high school work motivation; (2) the impact of transformational leadership on this relationship; (3) the impact of school culture on junior high school teacher performance; (4) the relationship between transformational leadership and junior high school performance; and (5) the impact of work motivation on junior high school teacher performance. Using descriptive data analysis methodologies, the study was carried out at junior high schools in the Delitua District in the academic year of 2023–2024. Regression analysis techniques were included in the data analysis method. There is a sample of 128 teachers in the population. The study's findings demonstrated that: (1) work motivation is directly impacted by school culture; (2) work motivation is directly impacted by transformational leadership in a significant positive way; (3) school culture directly affects performance; (4) transformational leadership directly affects performance; and (5) work motivation directly affects performance. These findings suggest that teacher effectiveness is influenced by school culture, transformational leadership, and work motivation and are important factors in supporting teacher performance.

RESEARCH APPROACH IN METHODOLOGICAL FUTURE SCIENCE TEACHER TRAINING

The article is devoted to a research approach implementation in the methodological training of future science teachers. The author emphasizes the need to develop research competence in higher education students majoring in the subject specialty 014.15 Secondary Education (Natural Sciences) and obtaining a professional qualification of a teacher of natural sciences, physics, chemistry, and biology to work in the New Ukrainian School. The article’s purpose is to reveal the essence of the research competence of future science teachers and the peculiarities of implementing the research approach in their methodological training. It has been established that the research approach involves the organization of the educational process in which learning takes place through research activities. The research competence of future science teachers is interpreted as an integrative quality of a personality that combines motivation for research, methodological knowledge and knowledge of research technologies, research skills, the ability to carry out research activities, organize them with students in teaching science subjects, and evaluate their effectiveness. It is determined that this research competence combines motivational, cognitive, activity-operational, and reflective components. The importance of methodological disciplines in the formation of research competence of future teachers of natural sciences, physics, chemistry, and biology is emphasized. It has been found that the research approach in the methodological training of future teachers requires the use of specific teaching methods and technologies (project, contextual, case technology, research laboratory work). It contributes to the research competence of higher education students development, in particular, their ability to organize students’ research activities in science classes in general secondary education institutions.

Student perspectives on school-based social workers: a mixed-methods study

PurposeSchool social work, in various forms, is well established internationally and has a growing evidence base. Yet existing research focuses on professional perspectives rather than those of students. This study aims to fill this gap by exploring secondary school student perspectives of having social workers in schools (SWIS). It was undertaken in England as part of the SWIS trial, which tested whether secondary school-based social workers could improve child safety and well-being, identify issues more quickly and reduce the need for statutory services.Design/methodology/approachA mixed-methods approach comprised a survey (n = 1,998 students) and interviews (n = 27 students). Surveys included questions on awareness, understanding, interaction with and attitudes towards the school-based social workers. Interviews involved a Q-sort activity followed by semi-structured questions on general attitudes and experiences. The Q-sort characterised prominent perspectives and how many students subscribed to them.FindingsStudents were broadly positive about having a social worker in their school in the survey and interviews. Two prominent perspectives on SWIS were identified. The first (n = 17) was defined by students feeling positively overall and strongly agreeing that they trusted the social worker. The second (n = 4) was mixed in sentiment, defined by some anxiety about working with the social worker. In interviews, students relayed that social workers were easily accessible, offered emotional support and acted as a bridge between school and home.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to quantify student perspectives on having social workers at school and evidence attitudes and experiences about school-based social work as practiced during the SWIS trial.